Sociology Students Open Semester with Excursion into ‘The Community’

Speaking to students is Kathleen Krider, the Senior Director of Community Engagement at the Access Community Action Agency in Willimantic.

Speaking to students is Arvind Shaw, the Chief Executive Director at Generations Family Health Center in Windham.

Speaking to students is Avery Lenhart, coordinator of the Windham Region No Freeze Project.

Speaking to students is Adrian Atkins, member of the Railroad Museum.

Speaking to students is Windham Director of Development Matt Vertefeuille in Willimantic's Town Hall.

A group of sociology students kicked off the spring 2020 semester with an excursion into the Willimantic community on Jan. 21. Students enrolled in Professor Nicolas Simon’s course “The Community” broke into three groups and explored local organizations related to town government, culture/history and social services.

Students toured the following organizations and heard from representatives at the town hall, Railroad Museum, No Freeze Shelter, Access Agency and other sites. Every week, students enrolled in “The Community” will volunteer with agencies across town through partnerships facilitated by Eastern’s Center for Community Engagement.

“The objective of the course is to help students become community leaders of today and tomorrow,” said Simon, “by promoting civic engagement and the development of a group of students working with local organizations. This class not only provides students with a liberal arts discipline that is practically applied, but also increases their chances of finding a job.”

Written by Bobbi Brown

Categories: Sociology, Community Engagement